The Hall County Schools’ school nurse program has formed a partnership with the North Hall Lions Club to implement the “Eyes for Education” vision-screening program for all Hall County elementary students.
Vision screening and vision services have been a long-standing initiative of Lions Clubs International.
Through this partnership, the Lions Club purchased a SPOT vision screening camera for school use. This was made possible through a Jackson EMC Community Foundation grant of $7,058.
Each elementary school nurse coordinates an “Eyes for Education” screening day, and two Lions Club members volunteer their time to assist at each school
The average referral rate in Georgia for vision screening failures is approximately eight percent. Even though in its early stages, the “Eyes for Education” initiative has already resulted in 32% of Hall County students receiving recommendations for professional eye exams.
Additionally, the Hall County School District has collaborated with America’s Best to provide 50 free eye exams and glasses to students referred by school nurses as part of its “Thanksgiving Giveaway” program.
“It is amazing how once we identified the need for more vision screens, everything fell into place. From receiving the grant, to the volunteer help from the Lion’s Club, and free glasses from America’s Best,” said Mamie Coker, Health Services Coordinator for the Hall County School District. “This is a perfect example of the community coming together to meet the needs of our children. This would not have been possible without the help from the Lion’s Club.”
